We left Thunder Bay and crossed the border back into the USA after about 35 miles above the north shore of Lake Superior. I think the border patrol must subsist on salads as we have had tomatoes and peppers confiscated on two separate occasions crossing the borders from Canada. After a search for an illegal immigrant and taking our peppers, we were on our way along the beautiful north shore. We stopped in Grand Marais for a break. It is a destination summer and winter resort for sport. We bypassed Duluth and immediately dropped into Wisconsin where we had lunch and then drove to Amnicon ( Native American word for “where the fish spawn”) Falls state park for the night. Early to bed and early to rise we are, so we drove east into the rising sun along the south shore of Lake Superior to Bayfield and the Apostle Islands National Seashore. The islands off the coast here were thought to number twelve when discovered, thus the apostle name; however there are several more and most have tent campsites and trails accessible by kayak or boat. One, Madeline, has ferry service for vehicles and passengers to La Pointe on its south shore. It also has a state park but the sites were too small for our RV so we took Colette over and walked around the village with its restaurants and sport shops. It is a very attractive area and there are many private residences along a 14 mile loop, with many residents being permanent despite a seasonal ferry service. When the lake freezes completely, they travel on an “ice road” of almost two feet thickness. Apparently it is monitored by the community and advisory signs are posted when there is “thin ice.” I think I will take my chances with the frost heaves and pot holes of Alaska and Quebec.
We camped in a park near Bayfield before heading south the following day. We continued to skirt the south shore of Lake Superior and a couple of its resort towns before turning south. Most of these resorts are centered around hunting and fishing judged by the number of taxidermists along the way; however the winter season is mainly concerned with skiing and snowmobiling as judged by the signage. After crossing into Michigan for a while, we made our way to Shawano Lake State Park in Wisconsin for a little exercise and rest. We did discover today that Colette definitely knows the word “look.” She was resting under the table until Jan said, “ look, a deer.” She bolted from her sleep, stepped up between our seats and began “looking.” For the doubters, later that afternoon while she was resting I said “look” and she jumped up onto the couch and began looking out the window. We are convinced, no matter what you may think!
After enduring a stormy, rainy night at the state park ( the ranger did come around to advise us where to go if conditions deteriorated), we drove the short distance to Green Bay, Wisconsin. Of course Green Bay may be noted for other historic events but the historic event that I was interested in this time was the origin and history of the Green Bay Packers. We drove to Lambeau Field and toured the Packer’s Hall of Fame. The renovated stadium is quite impressive and Jan enjoyed the the Super Bowl trophies, and especially the Super Bowl rings! They are large silver or platinum and covered with diamonds surrounding the team insignia “G.” I was there, not because I wanted a cheesehead hat, but because I was a football fan and Vince Lombardi with his success in the 60’s was revered by me and many of my generation with his emphasis on teamwork and an individual’s performing to the best of their ability. In addition, it is the smallest NFL market but it has endured because the team is owned, not by wealthy individuals, but by the citizens of Green Bay and therefore the team will always be in Green Bay. Also, it has been one of the most successful over the years of the NFL—another Super Bowl championship last year.
From Green Bay, we drove to a state park near Carthage College where our son is a professor. We established ourselves in the campground and then had a great visit with our son while enjoying some great restaurants and touring the beautiful rolling dairy farmlands and the shore of Lake Michigan near Kenosha and Racine. We decided the summer interlude was almost over as Labor Day was approaching and we should make our way back south, albeit rather slowly, as Hurricane Irene was threatening our coast. We bypassed Chicago with its horrendous traffic, made our way outside of Indianapolis and camped ;before heading to one of our favorite campgrounds in Kentucky, the state park Kentucky Horse Park.
The Kentucky Horse park is all about horses and every event that horses participate in except track racing. It has beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky Bluegrass partitioned with well maintained white fences encompassing some attractive stadiums and a large steeplechase track. In addition to its magnificent statue of Man of War, it has a barn that houses some of the great horses of the past. There they are cared for and displayed each day for visitors as part of the park’s daily event. Also, the park was the site of the World Equestrian Games this year, the first time ever in the USA. From its campground, where we camp, you can access all the venues by walking or biking. For us, it is a different type of state park and an absolute gem for displaying the beauty of nature and animals. If you are in the area, it is worth a visit if you love horses, and who doesn’t!
After a beautiful day at the Kentucky Horse Park, and we did feel for those on the coast who are dealing with the furious aspect of Mother Nature, we will start our journey back home; this time spared the force of a major hurricane. If you live on the coast, you do understand that Mother Nature “gets the last at bat.” The hurricane season does not end until the end of October so we will return to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the beauty of fall on the coast until the “last out.”
Lessons Learned on this Journey:
Despite the beauty of everything encountered on this trip: forests, mountains, lakes, bays, lighthouses, all of nature’s scenic landscapes; everything will be contrasted to Alaska and thus far for us, Alaska wins.
Our vision of Nova Scotia was of rolling green mountains with seaside picturesque villages. It was generally more rough with working seashore villages but it provided some wonderful experiences. However, Prince Edward Island was the more beautiful and charming province, at least for us.
The Great Lakes are indeed great. Not only for their quantity of fresh water on this planet and their contribution to commerce, but for their beauty, especially Lake Superior.
The feelings from national differences and conflicts still persists and runs deep in many people, as evidenced by the Acadian flags in Canada and the Confederate flags in the South.
Duct tape is a wonder. I repaired three things with it on this trip: cosmetic damage to the RV, a plastic door protector, and a small hose for windshield wiper fluid. Don’t leave home without it!
And once again, for us, it was the journey that was wonderful, not just the destination!
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